Waking Up Engaged to a Cool Yandere Beauty: My Wild Journey with a Love-Obsessed Senior - Episode 26: Two Beauties. A Private Drink and a Sudden Turn of Events

Episode 26: Two Beauties. A Private Drink and a Sudden Turn of Events

“Of course… I know that. He’s already suffered enough.” On the rooftop, as the sun began to dip toward the horizon, Mariri let out a deep sigh.

She knew well that Rei Uoka had endured more than his fair share of pain.

“If he’s on the path to happiness now, it’s not my place to interfere.”Yes. If his happiness could still be salvaged, then Mariri would step aside without hesitation.

“Wow, Chief, you’re such a romantic. That’s kind of surprising, honestly.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?! Is it a crime to feel this way?”What’s wrong with being a bit sentimental when thinking about someone you care about?

“No, that’s not it. I mean… Ah, how do I put this?” Akira, clearly at a loss for words, lit another cigarette. The second one. Maybe he was more of a casual smoker than he looked.

“Alright, can I go now? I’d like to just head home.”

“Nope, wrong again. You’re not trying to go home—you’re running away from him.”

“Y-you little—!” Mariri clenched her fists tightly, the urge to hit him welling up inside her.

“Oh, I’ve got it. Yeah, I’ve figured it out, Chief.”

“Figured what out?” “I think it’s fine if you date Rei. I do. Go ahead, confess your feelings; no  one’s stopping you.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me…” “I’m dead serious. But right now, Chief, you’re a coward. You’re just running away from him, pretending it’s for the best. And honestly, it’s pathetic.”

Mariri froze. Her fingers trembled with a surge of conflicting emotions.

Akira’s gaze drifted toward the setting sun, his voice softening.

“—If you love him, just tell him already.” “!?” The air shifted. Mariri could feel anger bubbling up within her.

Oh, this idiot. He’s genuinely mad. It was obvious—his expression was sharper, more piercing than ever before.

“…But—” “Oh, what’s this? Is Chief’s finally chickening out? That’s new.”

“Ugh! I’m not running away, okay?! It’s just—” Even as the words escaped her lips, they felt hollow.

“Shion is… she’s my best friend. We’ve been together since high school.”

A rich girl. The heiress of a powerful conglomerate. The whispers and glances of envy and disdain had followed Mariri since high school.

Not just a regular friend—she was a wealthy friend. Mariri Anzai, the girl born with a silver spoon in her mouth. That’s how people saw her. They never cared to look deeper.

But Shion had been different. She had seen Mariri for who she truly was.

“Shion isn’t just a friend to me. She’s family. I can’t bear to lose her.”

That’s why Mariri swallowed her feelings. No matter how much she loved Rei, she buried her emotions for the sake of her friend’s happiness.

“So, I’ve made up my mind!”

Mariri clenched her jaw, the words spilling out with a stubborn finality. But Akechi’s reaction was the exact opposite of what she expected. His cigarette dropped from his hand as he stared at her, stunned.

“Wait… what? Chief, do you honestly think you’d stand a chance in a love battle against Saionji-senpai? Wow, that’s bold. I mean, come on—she’s got you beat in every department, including, uh, assets…”

“WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?!” What the hell is wrong with this guy!? Mari felt her fury reach a boiling point.

“Forget I said that. Anyway, I’m heading home. Good luck figuring out your messy feelings on your own.”

Akira waved lazily and turned toward the stairs.

“Hey, you! Get back here!” “Oh, and if you don’t want to bump into Rei, take the emergency stairs on the third floor. Just saying.”

“Huh?!” “One last thing, Chief. In love, there’s no such thing as a guaranteed loss—unless you give up without a fight. Remember that.”

And with those parting words, Akira disappeared down the staircase, leaving Mari alone.

“That idiot…” As she sank to the ground, Mariri felt her legs give out beneath her. Her head dropped, her thoughts swirling in chaos.

“…What the hell am I supposed to do?” Even as she muttered, the resolve within her had already begun to solidify. Mariri reached for her phone.

For once, she wouldn’t let herself regret her choices. Not because Akechi had pushed her, but because her heart had decided it was time.

“—Hey, Shion. Are you free tonight?”

…”Alright, I’ll have a screwdriver. What about you, Shion?”

“Whiskey, on the rocks.”      “Got it. Coming right up.”

The familiar hum of their usual bar enveloped them as the two sat across from each other at a small table.

“…So, uh, Shion…”      “What is it?”

“How are things with Rei these days?” Why am I asking this? This isn’t why I asked her out tonight. Mariri internally sighed at her cowardice.

“Rei? Hmm, things are going well. I think we’re finally starting to understand each other better.”

“That’s… good to hear.” “Thank you, Mariri.”

“Huh? For what?” “For inviting me to that drinking party back then. If you hadn’t, I might never have met Rei.”

Oh, right. That had been her doing. If only she’d known it would lead to this mess…

“I don’t think I’d be this happy today if it weren’t for you.” “Well, I guess that’s a win for me as your friend! You better buy me a drink to celebrate, Shion!”

Why do I always say the wrong thing? Mariri cursed her false cheer.

She didn’t mean it. That wasn’t what she wanted to say. ‘What I want is…’

“But Mariri…”Shion’s voice was softer now, as she gently placed her hand over Mari’s.

“W-what is it?”

“Are you really okay with things the way they are?” The question pierced through her defenses like a blade.

“What are you even talking about?” “I love Rei. I do. He’s my everything, and I’d do anything for him. But…”

Mariri froze. “Being with him made me realize something. It helped me open my eyes to everything around me.”

Don’t say it. Mariri’s heart screamed for her to stop. “I know how you feel about him, Mari. You don’t have to say it—I’ll say it for you. You’re in love with Rei, aren’t you?”

“Stop it, Shion.” The words were like ice, sharp and final, cutting through the tension.

“I’ve already…”

“Chief!” The chime of the bar’s entrance bell rang out like a sharp note, silencing everything.

“Why… Why are you here?” “I called him,” Shion admitted, her expression both tender and pained.

“You what?!” “Because the one who needs to hear this most is Rei.”

Shion stood, looking at Rei with an almost unbearable sadness in her eyes.

“Rei, I have a favor to ask.”   “Yes?”

“Please, break up with me.” With those words, Shion exhaled, as though releasing the weight of her heart.